Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has taken action by suspending four councillors today due to actions that have tarnished the party’s reputation. This decision follows the surfacing of a leaked Zoom video depicting a tumultuous internal meeting within Kent council, where members were instructed to accept decisions even if they disagreed, as reported by the Guardian.
The leaked recording from the August meeting showcased significant discord within Reform’s prominent council, which serves as a showcase for a potential Reform UK government at Westminster. Council leader Linden Kemkaran emphasized her leadership style, stating, “I am not a dictator or an autocrat. I value feedback and discussion, but on crucial matters like local government reorganization, tough decisions must be made.”
The incident drew parallels to the well-known Handforth Parish Council meeting during the pandemic that propelled Jackie Weaver to viral fame. In response, Reform UK announced the suspension of four Kent councillors, including Paul Thomas, who questioned the leadership within Kent, leading to the threat of muting by Ms. Kemkaren during the meeting.
A spokesperson for Reform UK stated, “Councillors Paul Thomas, Oliver Bradshaw, Bill Barrett, and Maxine Fothergill have had their party privileges suspended pending an investigation due to actions that have brought disrepute to the party.”
Ms. Kemkaran conveyed her disappointment in the leaked video, denouncing the individuals responsible as “cowards” and emphasizing their focus on personal gain over group success. Reform UK gained control of Kent County Council following the May local elections, securing 57 out of 81 seats and ending a 30-year Tory dominance.
In response to the situation, a Labour spokesperson criticized Reform UK, highlighting the chaos within the party’s flagship council and contrasting it with Farage’s promises of efficient governance. The spokesperson asserted that only Labour could be trusted to lead effectively and fulfill promises to the public.
Labour MP Sojan Joseph of Ashford, Hawkinge, and the Villages condemned the situation as an “absolute shambles,” expressing disappointment on behalf of constituents and criticizing Reform UK’s performance. Joseph emphasized the party’s failures and the growing lack of confidence in its ability to deliver on its commitments.
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